Franchise Industry News & Announcements

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (Marketwired - June 19, 2013) - On Saturday, June 22, 2013 Giant Tiger will celebrate the official opening of its new store in Kemptville, located at 2970 County Rd 43.
Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. after a ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches by some local dignitaries and the Store Manager, Harry Haider. Giant Tiger is proud to be connected and committed to the communities we serve. A charity BBQ will be taking place benefitting The Kemptville Youth Centre, get a Marc Angelo's sausage and a drink for $2.
It will be a fun-filled day with plenty of free activities for customers of all ages, including gift card giveaways to the first 50 customers in store, a rock climbing wall, free coffee and hot chocolate, strolling & musical entertainment and even a visit from Friendly the Giant Tiger! There will be promotional giveaways during the celebrations...

Cleaning Services Franchise to Serve Customers in St. Louis County Beginning July 1
June 19, 2013 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA - Maid Brigade, the leading North American cleaning franchise, has announced the sale of its newest franchise location in St. Louis, Mo. Owned by St. Louis natives Matthew and Mary Kinsella, Maid Brigade of St. Louis will offer green cleaning services to customers in all of St. Louis County beginning July 1.
“We invested in Maid Brigade because of its track record as a successful franchisor and the level of support it provides its new franchisees,” says Matthew Kinsella, co-owner of Maid Brigade of St. Louis. “The training offered is by actual franchisees instead of corporate employees...

June 19, 2013 // Franchising.com // PRO Martial Arts, the nation’s fastest growing Martial Arts concept, announces today that it has signed a development agreement with Vince and Gina Matrisciano to develop in the Morris County, New Jersey market.
Vince comes to PRO Martial Arts with a background as a engineer with the US ARMY. Gina is the Director of Operations with a Healthcare Management company. The Matrisciano's were looking for a way to build equity and have more money for retirement and college tuition for their two children. They were attracted to the PRO Martial Arts model due to simple business plan and their ability to be a semi absentee owners. They are also looking forward to making a positive impact on the children and families in their community that become members of their Character Education and Leadership academy...

The next installment in Home Care Assistance’s Healthy Longevity Webinar Series will be presented by Muhammad Shazam Hussain, MD, renowned stroke neurologist next Wednesday at 11 AM PT/ 2 PM ET
Palo Alto, CA (PRWEB) June 19, 2013 - Home Care Assistance, North America's leading provider of in-home care, is committed to collaborating with industry leaders on community education initiatives around health, longevity and quality of life. One week from today, Home Care Assistance will be partnering with Muhammad Shazam Hussain, MD, to offer a free public webinar that will discuss opportunities for reducing the risk of stroke, identifying early warning signs of stroke in others as well as best practices for stroke care. The webinar will take place next Wednesday, June 26th at 11:00 AM Pacific, 2:00 PM Eastern...

North America’s First and Only Franchisor of LED Lighting Launches Mobile Training Course for Franchisees
June 19, 2013 // Franchising.com // Wellington, Fla. - It’s back to school for LED Source franchisees. The LED lighting solutions provider, which specializes in design, support, development, project management and financing through its Retrofit, Architectural and Entertainment divisions, recently launched an innovative online training program for its franchise owners through iTunes U. LouMan University – dubbed for the company’s mascot “LouMan,” who also acts as the training program’s professor – was rolled out earlier to educate new franchisees and sales associates on LED lighting products and benefits, while keeping established franchise owners up to date on new information...

Experienced Entrepreneurial Team Bringing New Jersey-Based Home Care Concept to Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean Counties
June 12, 2013 - FREEHOLD, N.J. - Executive Care announced today the opening of its new office servicing Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean Counties. Centrally located off Route 9, 79 and I-195, at 958 Adelphia Road in Freehold, N.J., the location will serve Central New Jersey residents seeking skilled nursing and home health aid services.
Senen Cabalfin and Jeff Wolf, the entrepreneurs launching the business, have forged a partnership through a shared experience working to make the lives of seniors and people with disabilities more comfortable. After years as a full-time nurse, Cabalfin created Special Care Community Services, a nonprofit that provides support, services, and resources to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in New Jersey and across state lines...

ST. LOUIS - June 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Primrose Schools, a nationally accredited private preschool franchise with more than 260 locations across the country, announced plans to open nine new schools throughout St. Louis, MO market in the next five years. Company executives identified key communities throughout Dardenne Prairie, O'Fallon, St. Peters, St. Charles, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Ballwin, Wildwood, and Manchester for expansion after uncovering a shortage of high-quality child care providers in these areas.
Primrose franchise agreements have already been signed for one new school in Dardenne Prairie.
Primrose Schools will offer its exclusive Balanced Learning(R) curriculum, which addresses multiple aspects of growth and learning: social, emotional, cognitive, creative and physical skills...

Hundreds of Qualified Applicants Battle for the Coveted Role of the RunWESTIN Concierge Through Partnership with Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series
STAMFORD, Conn. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Jun. 19, 2013 - It's the job runners have been training for all their lives, and now there are just two weeks left to apply! Westin® Hotels is nearing the finish line in its search for its first-ever resident running expert. The global hotel brand is actively seeking experienced, passionate runners to join them on the road and serve as the on-site running expert for Westin VIPs participating in select Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series events. More than 400 candidates have been vetted for the sought-after role and additional runners are encouraged to apply at www...

PARSIPPANY, NJ - (Marketwired - Jun 19, 2013) - On June 21st, to celebrate the official start of summer -- and unofficially the happiest day of the year -- participating Howard Johnson® hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada will be randomly surprising guests with free night stays.
Taking place at more than 75 locations, including those in cities such as Tampa, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; Toronto and more, one guest at each participating hotel will be randomly selected by the hotel's management to receive that night's stay at no-cost. A full list of participating properties, along with terms and conditions, are available at www.hojo.com under the deals and discounts tab.
"With cold weather out and sunshine officially in, the start of summer is without question one of the happiest days of the year for kids and adults alike," said Kevin McCabe, senior director of marketing for Howard Johnson...

West Hampton resident provides cash flow to Long Island small businesses.
West Hampton, NY (PRWEB) June 19, 2013 - Leaving behind a 30-year career on Wall Street, Steve Curry traded the fast pace and cutthroat atmosphere of Manhattan for a simpler existence in the Hamptons. Slowing down for his wife and three children was an adjustment, but Curry has adapted to his idyllic life – managing a private brokerage office with a seven-person staff and, more recently, opening an Interface Financial Group franchise.
When he first left Wall Street, Curry wasn’t looking for a franchise opportunity but had a friend in the franchise consulting business. Out of curiosity, the pair profiled Curry and he matched with the IFG franchise...

New Apple Cobbler Donut, inspired by Chef Trista Sheen, is the Latest Addition to the Tim Hortons Menu
OAKVILLE, ON. (June 11, 2013) - Inspired by a creative competitor that appeared on Food Network Canada's Donut Showdown (Tuesday, 10pm ET/PT), Tim Hortons' donut line-up has a new addition. Now available, the Apple Cobbler Donut has been added to the Tim Hortons donut menu and guests have an opportunity to taste the delectable new creation, along with a small coffee, at a special introductory price of just $1.99.
"Tim Hortons is synonymous with Canada's favourite coffee and donuts. Donuts are an iconic part of our menu, which is why we are always introducing new and exciting offerings," said Donna Finelli, Vice President Marketing, Food & Merchandise, Tim Hortons "Food Network Canada's Donut Showdown was a great opportunity for talented chefs to come up with a new creation for our guests and we couldn't be happier with the way the Apple Cobbler Donut turned out!"
Now available, the new Apple Cobbler donut was inspired by Chef Trista Sheen, a Toronto-area executive chef...

Bringing along $6.5 Million Listing in Burr Ridge
June 19, 2013 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – RE/MAX Premier Properties of Chicago now has a new luxury specialist. Christos Papanastasatos, a real estate broker with six years experience in the metropolitan Chicago real estate market and a focus on high-end homes, joined the Gold Coast brokerage located at 1205 N. Dearborn Pkwy. in late May.
Papanastasatos is no stranger to the luxury end of real estate. As proof, he can point to the $6.5 million listing in the Chicago suburb of Burr Ridge that he is bringing with him to RE/MAX Premier Properties. The home is no ordinary residence. It boasts about 20,000 square feet of interior space, an indoor saltwater swimming pool, a half-court basketball court complete with a Chicago Bulls logo emblazoned on the floor and a theater room...

Tint World hosted a public grand opening event for its new store located in Albany, NY—the first Tint World Franchise Store in the state.
Albany, NY (PRWEB) June 19, 2013 - Tint World, the nation’s leading automotive styling franchise, had recently hosted a grand opening event at its newest site in Albany, located on 1015A Central Ave in New York.
After months of preparation, owner and operator Rick Martin was able to officially welcome the community of Albany to his automotive styling center during his grand opening event—showcasing a range of automotive products and services at his one-stop-shop facility.
The store was fully operational, as guests were able to get their vehicles detailed, windows tinted, and audio/video products installed, among other things...

MADISON, NJ - (Marketwired - Jun 18, 2013) - Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services, today announced Floored, a New York City-based company that generates interactive 3D models of all types of real estate, as the winner of the inaugural Realogy FWD Innovation Summit.
"Floored and its 3D modeling capabilities truly stood out among today's field of talented entrepreneurs," said Alex Perriello, president and CEO of the Realogy Franchise Group. "Every presenter showcased innovative ideas with a range of practical applications, but there could only be one winner. We're excited to continue a dialogue with each of these companies as we continue to move forward at the intersection of real estate and technology innovation...

Fast Casual Seafood Chain Rides High, Eyes Renewed Franchise Growth Focus Toward End of Year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Captain D’s continued its record setting performance in the second quarter of 2013. Posting yet another quarter of positive same store sales increases, the 520-unit fast casual seafood chain has now marked 23 consecutive months of compounding sales growth.
In 2012, the brand enjoyed a record-breaking year with same-store sales increases of 8.3 percent. Captain D’s continued that positive trend posting positive Q1 sales numbers, and are now reporting at close of Q2 a 5.3 percent same-store sales growth for the system, with increases of 3.9% for franchise restaurants and 6.6% for company locations...

New Grant Program to Help Cities Expand Efforts to Address Rising Obesity Rates; Support Healthy Lifestyles in Low-Income Communities
LAS VEGAS - June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ - Weight Watchers International, Inc. and the United States Conference of Mayors will announce the three cities that have been selected as grant recipients of the Healthy Communities Grant Program, an initiative designed to help curb the national obesity epidemic and foster healthy lifestyles in communities, especially low-income areas that tend to have higher obesity rates and increased risks for obesity, at next week's 81st Annual Conference of Mayors.
The three awarded cities – one large, one medium and one small – were selected by an independent judging panel...

Professional handyman franchise and home improvement company, House Doctors, based in Cincinnati, Ohio is already seeing an impact from a growing entrepreneurship trend. As confidence improves, business ownership is finally gaining popularity again.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) June 19, 2013 - House Doctors handyman franchise numbers are on the rise as a result of a growing trend in business ownership. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor U.S. Report recently released from Babson College and Baruch College, entrepreneurship in the U.S. is at the highest level since 1999. House Doctors President, Jim Hunter, says, “Business start-ups are on the rise. With the summer months upon us and a strengthened economy, many people are deciding to take control of their own future through business ownership...

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO - (Marketwired - June 18, 2013) - easyhome Ltd. (TSX:EH) ("easyhome" or the "Company"), Canada's largest merchandise leasing company and the leading provider of consumer loans as an alternative to traditional banks and payday lenders, today announced that its consumer lending subsidiary, easyfinancial Services, has increased its senior credit facility with Crystal Financial LLC to $50 million from $25 million. As well, the Company has reduced its financing costs going forward as the current interest rate on this senior credit facility has been reduced to 9.98% from 11.78%. When combined with the capital available under the bank revolving credit facility that supports the Company's merchandise leasing business, easyhome now has committed external debt financing totaling $85 million with a blended rate of 7...

Merger of Regional Leaders Kappel & Kappel Realtors and Gateway Realty Forms Powerful Coldwell Banker Presence Along I-80 San Francisco-to-Sacramento Corridor
MADISON, NJ - (Marketwired - Jun 18, 2013) - Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today announced the affiliation of the newly created Coldwell Banker Kappel Gateway Realty in Vacaville, Calif., welcoming more than 200 agents in seven offices serving Solano County along the Interstate 80 corridor between Sacramento and San Francisco.
The new entity was created through the merger of Kappel & Kappel Realty, Inc. in Vacaville, owned by Steve and Sue Kappel, and Solano Gateway Realty, Inc. in Fairfield, owned by Steve Spencer and Bev Dorsett. Both firms were founded in 1972 and are the market leaders in Solano County, combining for more than $600 million in sales dollar volume in 2012...

RE/MAX National Housing Report on 52 Metro Areas
DENVER - June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - In May, both home sales and home prices rose at double digit rates above levels seen in May last year. Sales increased by 11.6% and the Median Price by 10.8%. May marks the 4th month in a row that home sales and prices have risen higher than the previous month and higher than the same month last year. The data suggests that the housing recovery that began early last year is gaining momentum in 2013. Reduced inventory continues to be a concern, although for May and April month-to-month changes have shown signs of stabilization. The RE/MAX National Housing Report, a summary of MLS data from 52 metropolitan areas, also found that the number of homes for sale in May was nearly unchanged from April, but still lower than last year by a significant 26...